Progress continues to surge forward on the Davao River (Bucana) Bridge Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao City.
In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said that the construction of the 1.34-kilometer, four (4)-lane, six (6)-span extradosed bridge and its approach roads over the Davao River which started in November 2023 has made significant strides, with completion now reaching 32.13%.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain, in charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects alongside Unified Project Management Office - Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC) Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes conducted a site inspection on July 19, 2024.
Their project visit together with UPMO - Roads Management Cluster I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista highlighted substantial advancements in the ₱3.126 billion construction of the bridge funded by the Philippine government and a China Aid Grant.
"With active project supervision and management by UPMO-BMC Bucana Bridge Project Team headed by Acting Project Manager Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden and the dedication of our partners at China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), we are confident in meeting our target to open the bridge to traffic by end of 2025”, Senior Undersecretary Sadain added.
The bridge project that will complement the Davao City Coastal Road upon completion promises enhanced mobility, connectivity, and economic opportunities for Davao Region.
This project under the “Build Better More” agenda of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is an essential transportation infrastructure, providing faster and more efficient roadway to large volume of vehicles and in alleviating the east-west traffic congestion in the coastal areas of Davao City.
Currently, civil works for the bridge include the installation of rebars for pier columns and crossbeams, simultaneous with placement of scaffoldings in preparation for deck construction. Activities such as steel sheet pile driving for cofferdamming and bored piling are also progressing as planned.